Riyadh Bathiudeen, was released after 168 days of his arrest over the Easter Sunday bombing.
Remarking on the incident, his brother, former minister and current MP Rishard Bathiudeen said that his brother is innocent, and he has nothing to do with the Easter attack.
Addressing the media after a ceremony yesterday (01), with the State Minister of Public Administration, Disaster Management and Defense Chamal Rajapaksa in the lead, to open the Vavuniya District Secretariat Auditorium to the public, MP Rishard Bathiudeen also said that there are several acceptable content in the 20th Amendment to the constitution.
When asked whether he supports the current government, “No comments,” he answered.
MP Bathiudeen has mentioned on his facebook that the Secretary of Defense Major General (retired) Kamal Gunaratne has said in the ceremony that as the Minister of Re-settlement at the time, MP Bathiudeen serviced the people irrespective of their nationality, religion, race and ethnicity.
It was on 14th April, Riyadh Bathiudeen, brother of MP Rishard Bathiudeen was arrested by the CID in connection with the Easter attack.
Announcing his participation in the opening ceremony of the Vavuniya District Secretariat Auditorium with Bathiudeen, State Minister Chamal Rajapaksa said that although Rishard was present at the event as the MP representing the opposition it was not a matter of joining the ruling party or winning support of the opposition for the amendments to the constitution.
Statement by State Minister Chamal Rajapaksa
“State and public matters related to the administration of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Disaster Management were discussed with the Governors, District Secretaries and Divisional Secretaries at the Vavuniya District Secretariat. Meanwhile, the newly constructed auditorium of the District Secretariat was opened.
“There have been some discussions on social media about the participation of Rishard Bathiudeen, a former Minister and current MP for the district.
“I would like to inform the people who voted with confidence in the government, that even if he attended the event as the MP representing the opposition, it will not be a step towards recruiting him to the ruling party or seeking their support for future amendments to the constitution.”
